how do you mark chicks

[sundancenbare]

I have olive eggers, Americanas and Auracanas so I really want to be able to mark who is who

I have pips so I better get busy

 

[moomoodiddy]

Are they non-toxic?

i would hope so they r for animals

 

[DeannaOR]

i would hope so they r for animals

There are many things marketed for animals that are toxic and harmful. I'll look them up.
Thank you =)

 

[sundancenbare]

I ended up going with colored zip ties as they hatch their little legg is tagged. so far so good

 

[chiqita]

Ive been useing a bit of nail polish on their toes. Mind you I've been waiting till they are a little older.

 

[juststruttin]

Zip ties work well but be very careful with them! You need to put them tight enough so the chick does not get it off. The problem: chicks grow so fast they quickly get too tight and will cut off circulation. I have a friend that had to cull a chick because she did not take it off in time. She is still traumatized.

The bands you buy will expand when the chicks grows. You will need to buy larger sizes as the chickens grow but since the expand you don't have to watch em quite as often.

I often use paint. I use non-toxic paint and put a dot just above their combs and partly on the comb. The paint usually lasts 2-3 weeks. You can re-paint or put a leg band on them at that point.

Good Luck,

Deann

 

[peepmommy]

Wh don't you just use food dye on the top of their heads?? We did this with our ducklings when I was a kid. You may have to touch it up a bit every so often, but it is non toxic and it works! Good luck!

 

[juststruttin]

Paint works great on all colored chicks. Not sure food color would show up on black. I use a q-tip to apply and it works great and does not drip.

 

[mabhera]

I read someplace about using velcro in their legs. A small piece of velcro to mark the chick and as it grows you can reposition the velcro for more space. I have never used it but plan to when the ones i have at the battor hatch.